Richelieu River (Montmorency River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richelieu River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale |
| Regional County Municipality | La Jacques-Cartier Regional County Municipality |
| Municipality | Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of two streams Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval 489 m 47°02′35″N 71°12′07″W / 47.04302°N 71.20208°W |
| River mouth | Montmorency River Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval 200 m 46°59′39″N 71°11′43″W / 46.99417°N 71.19528°W |
| Length | 7.2 km (4.5 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Richelieu River is a smaller river that flows into the Montmorency River. It is located on the north side of the Saint-Laurent river in Quebec, Canada. Specifically, it runs through the town of Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval.
The area around the river is mostly forest. The main activity here is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Recreational tourism, like hiking or fishing, is also popular.
Because the river is in a high area, its surface usually freezes over from early December until late March. It's generally safe to walk on the ice from mid-December to mid-March. The amount of water in the river changes with the seasons and how much rain or snow falls. The river usually floods a bit in March or April when the snow melts.
Where the Richelieu River Starts
The Richelieu River begins where two small streams meet in the mountains. This starting point is about 489 metres (1,604 ft) (about 1,604 feet) above sea level.
It starts on the north side of a mountain called Montagne à Deux Têtes. This spot is:
- About 0.8 kilometres (0.50 mi) (0.5 miles) northwest of the mountain's peak.
- About 1.4 kilometres (0.87 mi) (0.9 miles) west of the rivière à l'Île.
- About 3.8 kilometres (2.4 mi) (2.4 miles) west of Turgeon Lake, which is part of the Turgeon River.
- About 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) (3.4 miles) northwest of where the Richelieu River joins the Montmorency River.
How the River Flows
From its source, the Richelieu River flows downhill through forests. It travels for about 7.2 kilometres (4.5 mi) (4.5 miles) and drops about 289 metres (948 ft) (948 feet) in height. Here's how its journey goes:
- For the first 2.9 kilometres (1.8 mi) (1.8 miles), it flows south with a steep drop, then turns southeast. It meets another stream coming from the west.
- It continues southeast for another 2.9 kilometres (1.8 mi) (1.8 miles), where it meets another stream from the west.
- Then, it flows south for 0.7 kilometres (0.43 mi) (0.4 miles) through Goudreault Lake. This lake is about 0.24 kilometres (0.15 mi) (0.15 miles) long and is in the village of Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval.
- Finally, it flows another 0.7 kilometres (0.43 mi) (0.4 miles) south through Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval. It then turns east, going over some rapids, before reaching its end.
After the Richelieu River joins the Montmorency River, the water flows for about 17.0 kilometres (10.6 mi) (10.6 miles) generally south. It then reaches the northwest shore of the Saint-Laurent river.
River Name Origin
The name "Richelieu River" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is a group that names places in Quebec.
